James William Higgins

Jim was born to the late William and Helen Higgins on March 4th 1949, in Taunton, MA. The family moved to the Cape in 1955. Jim graduated from Harwich High School in 1967 and received a BA in History from the University of Massachusetts in 1971. He married Colleen Elizabeth Higgins (nee McGee) in 1981 and the couple lived in Centerville, MA for the duration of their marriage.

Jim worked as a salesman, manager and trainer for RogersGray insurance from 1982 until his death. He also volunteered in various roles for the Cape Cod Baseball League, including Senior Vice President, for nearly 50 years. Both RogersGray and the Cape Cod Baseball League are honoring Jim by naming rooms in their facilities after him.

Jim was a member of Cummaquid Golf Club and avid golfer. He also enjoyed cycling, walking and reading history, but his true passion was helping people. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, but was just as generous and loving with his extended family, colleagues and his community.

Once diagnosed with CJD, a terminal disease, Jim smiled in front of his birthday cake and said, “Don’t be sad. Who could have asked for a better life than I’ve had?”

Jim is survived by his wife, Colleen; two children: Brian Higgins of Centerville, MA and Courtney Higgins Morgan of Hanover, MA; four siblings: Carol Thayer, Cathy Ottino and Peggy Sutherland of Harwich, MA and William Higgins of Centerville, MA; three grandchildren and dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to the Creutzfeldt – Jakob Disease Foundation at 3634 W. Market Street, Suite 110 Akron, OH 44333.

Visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Friday March 31st at Doane Beal and Ames Funeral Home in Hyannis, MA. A funeral mass will be held at 11am Saturday April 1st at Our Lady of Assumption in Osterville, MA with burial to follow.

To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.doanebealamesharwich.com